Parks and Gardens Frequently Asked Questions

Dead Birds - What do I do if I find one/a number of them?

Don’t touch the carcasses. Although no cases of avian influenza in humans have been picked up from wild birds, they can carry other organisms that have the potential to spread to humans.

Dead Birds - Do I need to report single dead birds?

If you find single dead wild gulls, waders, ducks, geese or swans and you are within a survey area (Scottish Borders is within the UK survey area) please contact the DEFRA Helpline 08459 33 55 77, 8.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday. You will be asked for details of your find and its location. Please see the wild bird surveillance pages for more information. If you find any other single dead birds, including garden birds then you do not need to call the DEFRA helpline.

Dead Birds - What should I do if I find a number of dead birds?

If you find 10 or more dead birds of the same species or from different species in the same place you should contact the DEFRA Helpline 08459 33 55 77, 8.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday.

More information is available at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/qanda/deadbird.htm

Dogs – Are dogs allowed in all parks/public gardens?

Yes, but please keep dogs under control and ensure you clean up after your dog – remember – Bag it, Tie it, Bin it!

Dog Fouling – There is an issue with dog fouling. How do I contact the council about it?

You can report it on-line or call 0800 376 1030

Facility booking - Allotments – How do I get an allotment?

Contact our Galashiels office by calling 01896 661770 or visiting us at; 11 Market Street, Galashiels, TD1 3AD.

Grass cutting – How often you cut the grass in parks/public gardens?

Every fortnight during the summertime.

Grass cutting – Why don’t you pick up the grass cuttings?

Picking up grass cuttings takes up considerable time, there is a lack of space for storing the grass cuttings, and it is not environmentally friendly to do so.

Grass cutting – Why do you let the grass grow to different heights in some areas?

This is good for the environment, allowing butterflies and other insects somewhere to live. It is also considered more attractive and reduces the impact on the environment.

Garden Maintenance – Can the council maintain my garden?

No, however you may be able to get help if you are a housing association tenant. Contact your landlord for more information.

Litter bins – How often are litter bins emptied?

At least once a fortnight. If you identify any issues, please contact the Galashiels office on 01896 661770.

Neighbours’ Hedges/Trees – I have issues with my neighbours hedges/trees. What can I do?

In the first instance, it is advisable to speak to your neighbours and then follow it up in writing if you do not get a response. There is no legislation to deal with this, but there is a common law right to prune overhanging limbs.

Parks and Gardens Commemorative items – Can I plant a tree or erect a bench in memory of someone?

Yes, in certain locations throughout the Borders. Requests to have a tree or bench supplied can be made in writing to Environmental Services (Parks), Scottish Borders Council, 11 Market Street, Galashiels, TD1 3AD, by calling 01896 661770 or by emailing us.

Parks/Gardens Locations – How can I find my nearest Park?

You can use Local View, or see our Public Parks pages of our website.

Parks/Gardens Opening Times – What time do the parks/gardens open and close?

See our Public Parks pages of our website.

Parks/Gardens contact details – How do I contact someone with general queries/feedback?

Call our Galashiels office on 01896 661770, visit us at 11 Market Street, Galashiels, TD1 3AD or email us.

Sports pitches – Do I need to book tennis courts, football pitches etc?

Yes, by calling our Galashiels office on 01896 661770.

Sports pitches – How much does it cost to use sports pitches?

Full details are available on are on the fees and charges page.

Trees – Can you give me advice on trees?

Call our Galashiels office on 01896 661770 or visit us at 11 Market Street, Galashiels, TD1 3AD.

Trees – does the council prune/fell trees?

Only those that are maintained by the council.

Trees – Who do I speak to if I think someone has felled trees without asking permission?

Contact Simon Wilkinson on 01835 825060 or email the council.

Tree Preservation Order – There is a tree preservation order on a tree in my garden and it has been damaged in high winds or has become diseased. What can I do about it?

Contact Simon Wilkinson on 01835 825060 or email the council.